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Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

West Michigan Photography Workshops

We are fortunate to have many talented photographers present photography workshops throughout the year in a variety of popular Michigan destinations.

Todd and Brad Reed Photography

Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. Picture Perfect Weekend Workshops are for total beginners as well as seasoned professionals who have been shooting for decades. All photographers will learn and benefit from the Picture Perfect Workshops. Todd and Brad cover many technical aspects of photography, including shutter speed, F-stops and aperture, ISO, depth of field, etc. Their goal is to teach people how to make better choices with their own camera…and to have a thrilling experience while learning.

Heaven on Hamlin Workshop

3795 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington

January 24th-26th & August 15th-17th, 2025

You must have taken either the virtual or in-person version of the Picture Perfect Weekend Workshop to attend this class. Cost is $995 and class is limited to the first five students. Participants stay at a home on Hamlin Lake, offering a great opportunity for a high level of personal interaction between photographers. You will have your own bedroom and several bathrooms are available. Lodging, all meals, and workshop fees are included in the price. The home has steep stairs and, during the outside portion of the workshop, participants will be hiking/walking on sand, dunes, etc. The main portion of the shooting experience is on a pontoon boat.

Students pose with their instructors at one of the workshops. | Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Picture Perfect Weekend Workshops

Todd & Brad Reed Photography- 114 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington

May 2nd-5th, 2025

The goal of this workshop is to give you the knowledge to be more consistent in hitting home run photographs every time you take your camera out of the bag.

There are two parts to making an image, the technical side, and the artistic side. In one weekend, we will spend time teaching and helping you understand BOTH parts to making a great image, so you are more confident next time you’re ready to capture your home run image.

We will spend a lot of time helping you understand how to operate your camera on FULL MANUAL. To do this, we will cover the technical aspects of photography; this will include F-stops, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, depth of field, lens choice, etc.

Cost is $550 which includes food and refreshments. Space is limited to twelve participants.

In order to be eligible for future photography workshops, the participant must have already taken the Picture Perfect Weekend Workshops or be on file as the person who participated in the video series. 

Splendor of Fall Workshop

Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast- 409 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington

October 17th-19th, 2025

Todd, Brad, and Rachel are pleased to team up with Jenna and Chris Simpler, Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast owners, for an amazing weekend photographing the fall color and magic light around Ludington while indulging in exquisite meals in the historic Mansion. This three-story architectural marvel, still hailed as the city’s finest home, continues to captivate with its timeless elegance. Pairing capturing magical fall moments with Team Reed and the Simpler’s hospitality will be an unforgettable experience.

Together, we will explore some of Team Reed’s favorite shooting spots in the countryside and along the lakeshore, including Ludington’s version of the Tunnel of Trees. The team will study the fall color and weather forecast during the week leading up to the workshop to customize the details and give participants the best photographic opportunities. The exact locations and times will be discussed at the workshop rather than before.

Cost is $795. Meals and Lodging are not included in this fee. Please call the Cartier Mansion at (231) 843-0101 to reserve your room. When you reserve your room you will pay your meal fee of $125 to the Cartier Mansion.

What to Bring to the Picture Perfect Weekend Workshop:

  • At least 6 different prints (any size) of your best work for critique. These must be printed out on paper or photo paper. They can be your favorite shots, even if they didn’t turn out. We can help you figure out what went wrong.
  • A camera (film or digital) and instruction manual.
  • Bring lots of batteries for your own kind of camera. Remember that cool evenings on Lake Michigan can eat up battery life.
  • A working tripod that works with your own camera would be strongly advised.
  • Dress for the elements. It can get pretty cool on Lake Michigan, even during the summer.
  • Good hiking shoes for walking in the sand and on the water’s edge is recommended for people who get cold feet. Waterproof boots are recommended.
  • A good hat that you can put in your pocket and taken out in case you need to protect yourself from the winds coming off Lake Michigan.
  • And, of course, gloves that are easy to take on and off while you are taking pictures are also recommended.

Private Lessons by Todd & Brad Reed

Todd & Brad Reed also offer private lessons. Cost is $100 per hour with a minimum of four hours (at a single time, cannot be split). This would be for one of the two photographers to give the private lesson. Availability is very limited. Email info@toddandbradreed.com for more information or to schedule private lessons.

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